The Romford woman at the centre of a national media storm over the apparent sexualisation of children has defended her kids-only salon in Brentwood – saying that it is only for “princess parties”.

Michelle Devine, 28, who moved to Romford from Portsmouth 10 years ago, said that when she woke up yesterday (Thursday) morning to see what the media were saying about her children’s beauty salon – which offers make-overs for the under-sixes – she considered leaving the country.

But she said she wanted to stay to defend herself. The salon, Trendy Monkeys, had been accused of offering spray tans to one-year-olds, but she said that was “just obviously not true”.

She told the Recorder: “The only thing I said was that I saw on TV that in Wickford they are doing spray tans for kids. We don’t offer it ourselves, but I don’t judge people who do.

“What we offer is like Laser Quest. Boys will run around with swords and guns, and girls like dressing up. If anything there should be female rights activists supporting us rather than this talk about sexualisation of children.”

The salon offers a range of treatments for children including hair, make-up and nails for the under sixes.